Ghanaian-born officer is the royal household's first black equerry

The Queen's equerry, Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, was also present for the visit to Cheshire yesterday.

The Ghanaian-born officer from the Household Cavalry is the royal household's first black equerry.

Major Twumasi-Ankrah holds one of the most important positions in the royal household, assisting Her Majesty at official engagements.

He has become one the most visible figures by the Queen's side since her husband Prince Philip retired.

The Queen has picked the first black man to hold the role of equerry, one of the most important positions in the royal household.

He is an Afghanistan war veteran and took over the role from Wing Commander Sam Fletcher last year.

His royal career had previously included acting as escort commander at the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall's wedding in 2011, as well as commanding the Blues and Royals at the Queen's birthday parade.

Speaking last July, he told The Sunday Times that as a young child he used to watch the trooping of the colour with fascination.

He said: 'I would have never imagined that one day I'd command the regiment which I'd fallen in love with. From what I've seen in the UK, our cultures really do mix and if I'm not a good example of that I really don't know what is.'